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Alinor that Ian was gone. Not to tell her would bring swift and painful retribution, but it would be an evil day for them all. If the mistress could not vent her spleen where she desired, she was not averse to venting it on anyone who happened to be near. |
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Although it started evilly, the day was not as bad as Gertrude had feared. Her mistress' initial reactions were violent enough, but when Alinor had questioned everyone who had seen the new lord leave and had examined the chamber, her rage had diminished. For some time she had sat by her embroideryas she had sat for weeks after the old lord diednot working, only staring at it. This time, however, the fit had not lasted. After a while, she had picked up the needle and worked with great industry. Finally, she had abandoned her position altogether and gone to seek Father Francis. Since then, peace had reigned. Lady Alinor and the priest had remained closeted together. |
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After Ian had flung himself down on the filthy pallet in the serf's hut, Owain tugged at Geoffrey's sleeve and drew the younger boy outside. At first Geoffrey resisted, terrified that his master would have some desire that he would not be there to fulfill. He was so exhausted and so fearful that it took some time for him to realize that Ian had fallen asleep almost as he lay down. That seemed as incredible to Geoffrey as all the other events of this totally incredible day. |
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"What has befallen?" Owain whispered. "Is he still mad? I could have sworn it was past. I thought he was near to falling from his horse with tiredness when we parted." |
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"I do not know," Geoffrey replied, his voice trembling near tears. "He was quiet all the way to the keepat least, he was talking to Lady Alinor very pleasantly. When we came to the town he sent thethe dead men's bodies down with instructions that they be displayed by the gates with criers to tell the tale of what they had done and what their punishment was. Then we went in, |
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